On my first project list of things to accomplish during extra time at home, I included ‘painting a sign for a friend.’  That was a great project because my friend really wanted it done and I loved helping her out.  Plus, I love painting!

The sign was a wooden one that spelled out the word ‘Welcome.’

Welcome sign ‘before’ photo.

Looking through my Annie Sloan paint collection, I decided on the color graphite to use for the project.  I love this color – a deep gray.  I thought the dark color would be a nice contrast against the wall where my friend planned on hanging the completed sign in her home.

Because the paint color was so dark, no base or primer was needed.  I just painted two coats of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in graphite directly onto the wood.  Next, I added a thin coat of dark wax.  I did this just to keep the paint in place for the next step – distressing.  I used a very fine sandpaper and sandpaper block to distress the sign.  Obviously, the distressing is a matter of personal taste and I went heavy to accommodate my friend’s taste.  After the distressing was accomplished to my satisfaction, I completed the project by adding a coat of dark wax.  I used the dark rather than the clear wax so that the wood showing through the paint would look aged and not bright white.  In addition, the dark wax deepens the gray color of the graphite paint very nicely.

Welcome sign ‘after’ photo.

So, that was the only project left to check off on my first project list.  That list is completed…as well as several more!

The completed sign in its home!

I hope I inspired you to update something in your home with paint!  Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie